With a new season approaching, expectations are rising across the NASCAR Cup Series garage. But according to Kevin Harvick and veteran FOX Sports reporter Bob Pockrass, a few organizations are feeling the heat more than others.
Speaking via the latest episode of Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour, Pockrass identified Richard Childress Racing as the team facing the most pressure heading into 2026. The combination of driver uncertainty and internal changes has created a pivotal moment for the organization.
“To me, it’s RCR,” Pockrass stated. “You talk about Kyle Busch being a free agent. Can you get things right with a new crew chief and make him feel like this is where he wants to keep racing?”
Pockrass also pointed to questions surrounding Austin Dillon and the team’s future pipeline of young talent. He noted the organization has undergone multiple competition restructures in recent seasons.
Elsewhere, prospects like Austin Hill and reigning Xfinity Series champion Jesse Love are looking toward Cup opportunities while the team has veterans in those seats at the moment. 2026 could decide where the next era of RCR goes.
Harvick, however, placed his focus elsewhere, choosing 23XI Racing: “For me, it’s 23XI,” Harvick responded. “We gave them a mulligan last year.”
Alas, Harvick believes expectations have changed dramatically after recent progress for 23XI. Particularly following Bubba Wallace’s trip to Victory Lane at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Now Harvick believes the organization must prove it can contend consistently, rather than flash occasional speed.
The biggest spotlight falls on Tyler Reddick, whom Harvick expects to become a regular winner and leader of the team: “He went there to win races and he’s been there long enough to win races,” Harvick added. “You’re expecting multiple wins out of that car.”
Harvick also explained that the organization’s leadership, including team co-owners Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan, will be aiming even higher: “They expect them to go out and contend for a championship,” Harvick stated.
While Wallace and Reddick both made the playoffs last season, the duo of Hamlin and Jordan didn’t get into NASCAR to simply win. They want to win it all, and if their current crop can’t get it done, they’ll find someone who can.
As the season nears, both viewpoints point to the same reality, as patience is wearing thin with certain teams. Whether it’s stabilizing a veteran program at RCR or delivering on rising expectations at 23XI Racing, 2026 may define the trajectory of multiple NASCAR organizations.